The U.S. military-built pier in Gaza, intended for humanitarian aid, will be reinstalled temporarily on Wednesday before being permanently removed, as stated by several U.S. officials. This decision comes after ongoing challenges such as adverse weather conditions, security concerns, and obstacles in distributing food to the starving Palestinian population.
Gaza City faced heavy Israeli bombardment on Tuesday, leading to mass evacuations and the closure of medical facilities due to the latest offensive in the northern part of the territory. In southern Gaza, an Israeli airstrike on a shelter converted from a school resulted in the death of at least 25 people and numerous injuries, according to Palestinian health officials.
RELATED STORY | Israel turbocharges West Bank settlement expansion with largest land grab in decades
Hamas has issued warnings regarding the escalating military actions by Israel in Gaza City and the displacement of residents, cautioning that this could negatively impact ceasefire negotiations and efforts to release Israeli captives.
The conflict in Gaza began after Hamas’ attack on October 7, resulting in significant casualties and abductions. Israeli military operations have since caused extensive damage and loss of life, with more than 38,000 fatalities reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry, without differentiation between combatants and civilians.
RELATED STORY | Israel seeks a ‘governing alternative’ to Hamas in Gaza — It’s been tried and failed before
The ongoing conflict has resulted in widespread destruction and displacement, with most of Gaza’s population affected multiple times. Humanitarian efforts are hindered by Israeli restrictions, violence, and a breakdown of order, leading to food shortages and concerns about famine. The United Nations has called on Israel to protect Palestinians amid allegations of genocide, a charge that Israel vehemently denies.
